BEIJING, May 24 (Xinhua) -- The Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee on Thursday opened its door to foreign diplomats for the first time in its history.

More than 50 foreign diplomats from 49 countries and the European Union were invited to visit the Publicity Department and see how it functions.

The Publicity Department was established 91 years ago, upon the founding of the CPC.

Liu Yunshan, the department's chief as well as a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, communicated with the diplomats during this "open day" event.

Liu said that publicity work is an important component of the CPC's overall work, which is a fine tradition and a political advantage held by the Party. Publicity work has played an irreplaceable role in China's revolution, construction and reform periods.

Liu also briefed the diplomats on the tasks of the CPC's publicity work, which are outlined in order to "equip people with scientific theories, provide them with proper media guidance, imbue them with lofty ideals and inspire them through excellent cultural works."

The department is tasked with educating and informing people about the latest theories of the CPC, encouraging and supporting mass media to take up their social responsibilities, improving the efficiency and credibility of gatekeeping, promoting virtues and nobility in society and boosting the development of the cultural sector, he said.

Under the new circumstances, the Publicity Department is playing a constructive role in uniting people from different parts of society, Liu said.

The department has to open up and borrow constructive ideas from other countries as well as encourage the broad participation of the masses, he said.

"Ties between China and the rest of the world have become increasingly close in an open era. Progress can be achieved only through exchanges and cooperation with other countries," Liu said.

Liu expressed hopes to enhance exchanges with foreign diplomats and to learn from foreign parties and governments' experiences in state governance.

During the three-hour visit, diplomats toured several divisions under the Publicity Department and watched how officials work.

Several diplomats said the event displayed the Party's openness and willingness to work with the rest of the world in a friendly way.

Costa Rican Ambassador to China Marco Vinicio Ruiz told Xinhua that the event was a good opportunity for diplomats to learn about how the government and the Party work.

"A party of this size, with 80 million members, is like a nation inside a nation, so I think it is important to explain to everyone how they do and how they conduct business. It helps to build transparency," he said.

"We have been highly impressed by the way the CPC is organized," said Algerian Ambassador to China Hassane Rabehi.

"The visit is a source of inspiration for many states. People who have this kind of ideology, organization and leadership are surely about to succeed," he said. "I am confident in China."

In the latter half of this year, the CPC will hold its 18th National Congress.

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